Bringing fire to the Heart of the Harbor

Milwaukee area artist Jesse Meyer installed the centerpiece of the Heart of the Harbor plaza in downtown Port Washington Tuesday — a 12-foot-tall bronze fire sculpture.

The sculpture has metal tendrils that intertwine as they reach from the base skyward — a design meant to resemble both flames and the waves of the lake. The sculpture will have a gas flame inside it, adding a sparkle and life to the artwork.

The sculpture is expected to be operational this week, Public Works Director Rob Vanden Noven said, noting the gas line to fuel the fire has been installed.

Electricians have also connected a timer that will allow the public to turn on the fire feature for a specific time period.

The sculpture will be more of a fire feature than a fire pit, providing light and ambience more than warmth, and it will help create a four-season attraction  for the downtown.

While it isn’t the final piece of the plaza, the sculpture is the most prominent piece.

Yet to be installed are the sun shades and interpretive signs, Vanden Noven said, adding they are expected to be added the week of Oct. 8.

That will be just in time for the expected grand opening by Port Main Street Inc., which designed the plaza and raised more than $270,000 to build it.

The grand opening is tentatively set for Oct. 21 to coincide with Main Street’s Third Thursday event.

The plaza is intended to take an unused piece of asphalt at the edge of the lakefront and turn it into a gathering space where small events can be held and residents and visitors can enjoy the view.

The Heart of the Harbor plaza will also include metal sunshades, benches, bike racks built and designed by Port Washington High School students, picnic tables and landscaping.